THE Blenheim Palace Horse Trials, one of Oxfordshire’s biggest sporting events, gets underway today.

Boasting a line-up of the best event horses and riders in the world, including the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Tindall, the trials attract more than 60,000 visitors each year.

The event, sponsored by SsangYong Motor UK, is made up of three phases: dressage, cross-country and show jumping, with the dressage phase taking place over the first two days.

As well as the competition itself, which will conclude on Sunday, there will be a number of demonstrations, displays and seminars, as well as an on-site shopping village.